Cruising is an amazing experience that I will definitely repeat.

I was fascinated by the idea that I can visit multiple cities each for a day without going through the hassle of packing and un-packing, road trips or airports. So i booked the Western Mediterranean Cruise of the Norwegian Cruise Line to visit Capri, Rome and Cannes for the first time and to enjoy the cruising experience.

The cruise trip was as follow:
1- Sailing from Barcelona Port in Spain
2- “Sea day”, a full day in the sea, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Mediterranean sea during the day.
3- Naples in Italy, which is 45 min away from Capri Island.
4- Rome in Italy.
5- Florence in Italy.
6- Cannes in France.
7- Marseille in France.
8- Cruise will stop at Barcelona Port in Spain.

General notes:

• Haven suites are an excellent choice for honeymooners, group of friends and families without kids. It is hidden away at the top of the ship. It offers special services only to Haven guests such as, Haven fine dining Restaurant, gym, pool, Haven lounge, personal concierge, sundeck and 24 hrs private butler.
• Samsung note 7 is prohibited.
•  For Wifi, you can save if you purchase a Wifi package online from NCl website
  https://www.ncl.com/in/en/onboard-packages/internet
• Check your room space before choosing your luggage because some rooms are too small.
• Download Norwegian iConcierge app to book  show tickets and restaurant tables. The app can be used in the ship without internet. Norwegian iConcierge by Norwegian Cruise Line® https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/norwegian-iconcierge/id491934966?mt=8
• The cruise offers shore excursions with extra charges. You can book the cruise shore excursions or plan your day by your own.

Below are places to visit in each destination to help you plan your trip.

 

1- Capri

 

• They call it “the island of love”. One of the most romantic islands. The best place I visited during the cruise trip.
• Leave the ship at 7 a.m. to make a good use of your time and see as much places as you can.
• We took a ferry from Naples  to Capri (around 45 minutes)

*Places to visit and activities:

• Marina grande: Capri’s main port, has cluster of colored houses,  home to Capri’s fishermen and the island biggest beach. You can find a tourist office there in case you needed guidance.

• Blue Grotto: Capri greatest tourist attraction (Opening hours: each day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m). It is a small cave that you can enter by a wooden rowboat (as shown in the picture above). The tour inside the cave will take less than 10 minutes. The water is crystalline blue with silver reflections. Amazing experience that you should not miss. I took a boat from Marina Grande to the Grotto (10 minutes).  You have the option to take a private boat tour that includes a visit to the Grotto and offers Scuba and Snorkeling activities. Keep in mind that the Grotto is not open all year long. In case of strong winds or rough seas, entrance to the grotto will be suspended. This is their official website, for more information:  https://www.capri.com/en/s/la-grotta-azzurra

• Augustus Gardens: a garden with a panoramic flower-decked terraces overlooking the sea and the famous Faraglioni on the one side and the Bay of Marina Piccola and Via Krupp on the other.
• Piazza Umberto: shops, restaurant and cafes square at the historic center of Capri.

This is Capri’s official website for more information and tourist attractions:
https://www.capri.com/en/what-to-see

2- Florence:

• Great for shopping
• Piazza del Duomo: Center of Florence the main/largest square with shops, restaurants and cafes.
• Ponte Vecchio bridge.
• Leaning Tower of Pisa.
•  Pizza and gelato cooking class
  https://www.cookly.me/cooking-class/florence/
• Tuscany Vespa tours
• for more information about Florence it famous cafes and restaurant check out our fellow traveller blog “hello965 about Florence”:
• http://www.hello965.com/hello965-in-florence-italy/

3- Rome

• Piazza di Spagna: located at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. It is one of the most famous squares in Rome. you can find there Antico Caffe Greco, which is a historic landmark  cafe and the oldest coffee bar in Rome (open since 1760).
• Vatican City
• Colosseum
• Trevi fountain
• For more information about Rome and it famous cafes and restaurant check out our fellow traveller blog “hello965 about Rome”:

http://www.hello965.com/rome-italy/

4- Cannes

• Boulevard de la Croisette: Famous promenade of the French Riviera. You will find there restaurants, cafes and shops.

• Le Suquet (Old Town): this area offers panoramic views from the watchtower as well as old world charm.

• Public and private beaches

• Fragonard Historic Factory Perfume Workshop & Tour

• Vieux Port

• La Malmaison Museum

• This is Cannes official website for more attractions and guidance:

http://www.cannes-destination.com/index/what-to-do

• for more places to visit check this website:

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/cannes-f-az-can.htm

 

The cruise website offers shore excursions for each city. you can search by city and view their shore excursions to help you plan your day:

https://www.ncl.com/no/en/shore-excursions

 

 

Have a wonderful cruising..